How to Keep Your Baby Cool and Comfortable at 32 Degrees?
When the thermometer reads 32 degrees, you feel it immediately as a parent. The air is heavy, your little one is clammy, and you wonder: how do I keep them safely cool? I know that feeling well—both as a neonatal nurse and from the daily conversations I have with parents who ask exactly these kinds of questions.
Babies are more vulnerable to heat than we are. This is not meant to alarm you, but to help you understand why, so you know what to watch for.
Why babies struggle with heat
A baby’s body works differently than an adult’s. Babies have relatively more skin surface area compared to their body weight, and their sweat glands are still developing. This means they cannot dissipate heat as effectively—they cannot sweat like we do. Moreover, they cannot tell you when they are too hot or thirsty.
This makes them especially sensitive to overheating, especially during extreme temperatures. The RIVM and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) therefore advise extra caution with young children during heatwaves.
Practical tips for daytime
Hydration: offer feeds more frequently
Breastfeeding or formula feeding is the best way to keep your baby hydrated. Simply offer feeds more often than usual—even if your baby does not actively ask.
A question I often hear parents ask on hot days: can I give my baby some water? For babies younger than six months, this is not recommended, and there is a clear reason for that. A newborn’s kidneys are not yet mature enough to process pure water properly. Water dilutes the electrolytes—especially sodium—in the blood. This can lead to hyponatremia, a low sodium level, which in severe cases can cause symptoms such as irritability, drowsiness, or even seizures. Moreover, water fills your baby’s small stomach, causing them to take in less nutrition—the very nutrition they need.
Breast milk naturally adjusts to warm weather: it contains more moisture in the heat. Formula feeding offers the same balance of water and nutrients. Trust in that. Still unsure? Then contact your consultation clinic or doctor.
Clothing: as light and breathable as possible
Eén laagje loszittende kleding van een natuurlijk materiaal is genoeg. In onze zomer favorieten collectie vind je stukken die speciaal zijn samengesteld voor de warmere maanden — licht, ademend en gemaakt van materialen die de temperatuur van je baby niet opstuwen. Katoen werkt prima, maar merinowol is een materiaal dat ouders vaak verrast bij warm weer. Het voert warmte en vocht actief af, waardoor het koeler aanvoelt dan je zou verwachten. Merinowol reguleert de temperatuur van je baby mee — zowel als het koud is als als het warm is. Synthetische stoffen houden warmte juist vast; die kun je beter vermijden.
De omgeving koel houden
Houd overdag ramen en gordijnen gesloten om de warmte buiten te houden. Zodra het buiten koeler is dan binnen — meestal pas laat in de avond — kun je doorluchten. Een ventilator helpt bij de luchtcirculatie, maar richt hem nooit direct op je baby. Zet hem op afstand, gericht op een muur, zodat de lucht indirect beweegt.
Blijf binnen tijdens de warmste uren
Vermijd de buitenlucht tussen 12:00 en 16:00 uur. Moet je toch weg, kies dan voor schaduw en zorg voor een zonnekap of parasol. Bescherm ook de ogen van je baby — die zijn tot 70% gevoeliger voor UV-straling dan die van volwassenen. Een goede baby zonnebril is vanaf 3 maanden een fijne toevoeging op zonnige uitstapjes. Hang nooit een doek of deken over de opening van de kinderwagen — hoe goed bedoeld ook. Onderzoek laat zien dat de temperatuur binnenin daardoor razendsnel kan oplopen tot gevaarlijke hoogtes, ook zonder directe zon.
Lekker lauw badje
Een lauw badje kan een fijne manier zijn om je baby te verfrissen. Het hoeft niet koud te zijn — lauwwarm is genoeg en voelt prettig aan. Je kunt ook een vochtig washandje gebruiken om de nek, oksels en liezen voorzichtig af te deppen. Dat zijn de plekken waar warmte het snelst wordt afgevoerd.
Veilig slapen bij warm weer
The ideal bedroom temperature for a baby is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. On a hot day, this can be hard to achieve, but there are ways to help.
Dress your baby as lightly as possible — in extreme heat, sometimes just a diaper is enough. Use a thin cotton blanket or a light merinowool blanket for coverage. Merinowool has a special quality even during sleep: it breathes with your baby's body temperature, so it doesn’t get too warm but also doesn’t feel cold in the morning chill.
Regularly feel your baby’s neck. That is the best place to check if the temperature is right — not the hands or feet, which are almost always a bit cooler.
Ensure ventilation in the bedroom. A fan at a distance, aimed at the wall, helps without blowing air directly over your baby.
When is it too hot? Signs of overheating
This is what I really want to point out to parents, because overheating can happen quickly. Pay attention:
- Red, warm, and clammy skin — especially on the neck and chest
- Rapid or irregular breathing
- Lethargy or unusual irritability
- Less alert than normal
- Fewer wet diapers than usual
- Small red bumps on the skin (heat rash)
If you recognize one or more of these signs, cool your baby calmly and as quickly as possible, and always contact a doctor if in doubt. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
A word about merino wool
At Moalie, we work a lot with merino wool, and in summer I sometimes get asked: wool in the heat, isn’t that strange? I understand the doubt. But merino wool is different from the wool most people think of. The fibers are fine, soft, and naturally temperature-regulating. They absorb moisture without feeling clammy and release it slowly. This makes it a material that works well even on warm days — for clothing and bedding.
Check out our summer favorites, the merino wool baby blankets, or the soft hats and booties — all great choices for your baby even in the warmer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby is too hot?
Feel the neck. If it feels warm and clammy, your baby is probably too hot. Red skin, rapid breathing, or unusual lethargy are also signs to watch for.
Is it okay for my baby to sleep in only a diaper at 32 degrees Celsius?
Yes, that is perfectly fine. In extreme heat, sometimes just a diaper is the most comfortable option. Regularly check the neck to see if the temperature is right.
Can I use a fan in the baby's room?
Yes, as long as it is not directed straight at your baby. Place it at a safe distance, aimed at the wall, so the air circulates in the room without blowing directly on your baby.
Should I give my baby extra water in warm weather?
For babies under six months, it is not recommended. Pure water can disrupt the electrolyte balance in the blood because the kidneys are not yet mature enough to process it. Breast milk and formula contain the right balance of fluids and nutrients. Simply offer feeds more frequently. Unsure? Discuss it with your healthcare clinic.
Is merinowool suitable for warm weather?
Yes. Merinowool helps regulate temperature and is naturally breathable. It wicks away heat and moisture, making it comfortable for your baby even in summer. See our explanation of the properties of merinowool for more information.
Why shouldn’t I hang a cloth over the stroller?
A cloth blocks air circulation in the stroller. The temperature inside can quickly rise to dangerous levels—even if the stroller is not in direct sunlight.
What is the ideal bedroom temperature for a baby in summer?
Between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. If it’s warmer, ensure good ventilation, light clothing, and thin bedding. Regularly check the back of your baby’s neck.
From what age can a baby be outside in the sun?
Babies younger than six months should ideally stay completely out of direct sunlight. Always seek shade, protect the head with a hat or sunshade, and consider a baby sunglasses from 3 months for extra eye protection.
Sources
- RIVM. National Heat Plan. www.rivm.nl
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Keeping Your Baby Safe in the Sun and Heat. www.healthychildren.org
- 24Baby.nl. Prepared for summer: a heat plan for your baby. www.24baby.nl
- I-mens. How to keep your baby cool during warm days. www.i-mens.be
- Kinderwonderland. Merino wool baby: does it itch? Benefits, science & the best products. www.kinderwonderland.nl
- BabyBytes.nl. How can you keep your baby safe and cool in the summer heat? www.babybytes.nl